As a follower who has witnessed the extraordinary journey of Will Packer, I cannot help but feel inspired and humbled by his resilience and determination. With over three decades in the industry and a collective box office gross of over $1 billion, it’s clear that Hollywood hasn’t defined him; rather, he has defied it with grace and audacity.
Despite a three-decade-long career in filmmaking and accumulating box office revenues exceeding $1 billion, the highly productive producer, Will Packer, has always shied away from creating movies for Hollywood. This important insight was something he grasped at an early stage in his professional journey.
In our initial movie release, ‘Chocolate City’, I extended an invitation to everyone in Hollywood to attend the world premiere, he shared with EbMaster. Daringly bold, we hosted a black-tie event at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, within the Lee Hall Student Auditorium for the grand unveiling.
He notes, “We extended invitations to all the Hollywood bigwigs, yet none of them appeared. Conversely, all the students turned up, filling the place to capacity – it was standing-room only. This experience imparted a valuable lesson about the audience I’m catering to with my films. I wasn’t crafting them for those aloof executives ensconced in their towers who would never attend. I was creating them for students who had yet to see themselves portrayed on screen.”
Approximately three decades have passed, during which time Packer has seen great success with several top-grossing films such as “Think Like A Man,” “Ride Along,” and “Girls Trip.” Notably, these movies feature predominantly Black actors. Despite the traditional Hollywood system, Packer has persisted in addressing audiences who yearn for on-screen representation similar to themselves.
In retrospect, the 1994 release of “Chocolate City” turned out to be a resounding success, as I reflect on it. Yet, what truly stands out is that it served as a pivotal experience for me, demonstrating my ability to create films independently of Hollywood.
As a passionate cinephile, I remember the thrill of 2007’s “Stomp the Yard” being my first box office number one hit. Yet, as I look back, everyone seemed to turn a blind eye to it. “Nobody wanted to produce it,” I lament. However, I persisted and finally managed to convince one studio to take the plunge. To my surprise, it was a smashing success! Afterward, all the other studios were clamoring for me, asking where I’d been hiding this gem and why hadn’t I brought it to them sooner. The truth is, I had. I had presented each and every one of you with that movie, but you all said no.
Maintaining an understanding of his audience and a self-assured confidence (which he refers to as “healthy arrogance”) has kept Packer successful throughout his career, but he recognizes that the industry isn’t exempt from its current challenges. The ongoing impact of the pandemic and last year’s Hollywood strikes, coupled with the fact that his latest film “Praise This” premiered on Peacock rather than in theaters, has made him aware that the movie and TV landscape has undergone permanent changes.
“Apparently, Hollywood is making some adjustments,” he remarks. “This is largely due to the current financial aspects of the industry. The excessive amount of content and the difficulties in streaming, which was initially seen as a solution for all problems, are now causing a squeeze. It seems that media companies are tightening their belts.”
Due to Packer’s persistent focus on narratives by Black communities, the sense of struggle in his creations seems more pronounced. As he explains, “The kind of productions that are becoming progressively challenging to produce are those that prioritize marginalized groups, such as African Americans, LGBTQ individuals, and others.” He goes on to say, “If a project isn’t mainstream, catering to all demographics, derived from an established intellectual property, typically a successful sequel or series, it causes apprehension because the industry is already risk-averse. Therefore, someone like me must work even harder.”
The renowned media tycoon’s newest venture, titled “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” on Peacock, is a dramatic series that re-tells the real events surrounding the audacious heist considered to be the most daring robbery ever recorded in Atlanta.
Packer, who executive produced the show, explains, “I’m offering it on an exceptional platform so audiences can easily watch at home. I understand they’ll appreciate it, and I know the influence of my star power and resources invested in this project make it ideal for this specific production. Therefore, I must remain adaptable in producing and creating these projects, but the audience is always the priority. That’s the key. The audience is what matters most.”
Knowing that a star-studded ensemble consisting of Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and others was on board, Packer felt certain that the story behind “Fight Night” – which had captured his attention initially as a true account – would be truly spectacular.
Originally, he aimed to present it as a single film, but he’s grateful that didn’t come to fruition because now he can tell the story in eight different segments. This approach seems to draw viewers into an intricate plot. It’s a narrative filled with compelling, thought-provoking characters you might find yourself cheering for at times. The storyline includes layers that I believe audiences will appreciate. I’m thrilled about the outstanding Black actors who collaborated on this project and responded to my call.
With “Fight Night” set to debut Sept. 5, Packer is already looking ahead.
As a film critic reflecting on the words of this esteemed professional, it’s clear that he often ponders his lasting impact in the industry. He desires his legacy to be defined by those whom he’s inspired and guided, the individuals who’ve won Oscars, Emmys, and even established their own production companies. I can see the pride gleaming in his eyes when he speaks of these accomplishments, a pride that mirrors his own sense of individual achievement.
When his professional journey eventually winds down, and it’s appropriate to retire in whatever form that takes, Packer expresses his desire for individuals within his industry to remark, “He inspired others, made a difference, and mentored those around him.” To him, achieving this recognition is the genuine definition of success.
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2024-08-12 21:20